Tape measure apparatus with a rotating and sliding catch

ABSTRACT

An improved tape measure apparatus which includes a catch that is both slidable and rotatable relative to the rule blade in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade when the rule blade is extended from the tape casing. In one embodiment the catch can both rotate and slide relative to the rule blade when frictional forces exceed a predefined minimum or are within a predefined range.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of PCT Patent Application Serial numberPCT/US2012/066774, filed on Nov. 28, 2012, which application was acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/306,684,filed 29 Nov. 2011, which applications are each incorporated herein byreference and priority of each such application is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

One embodiment relates generally to carpentry tools and, morespecifically, to an improved tape measure apparatus which includes arotating and sliding catch.

Standard tape measures include a length of tape wound on a spool with aspring return mechanism so that after the tape is taken out of ahousing, the spring return mechanism automatically retracts the tapeinto the housing. A locking mechanism, typically a sliding button, locksthe tape for the purpose of reading the length of the deployed tape.

Numerous tape measures have been provided in prior art. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 2,624,120 to Mills; U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,486 to Drechsler;and U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,426 to Hull are illustrative of the prior artand incorporated herein by reference to show the conventionalconstruction of tape measures. While these units may be suitable for theparticular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitablefor the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. Tapemeasures are well adapted for measuring distances but their utility isusually restricted to this single function.

In order to make catches or end hooks connected to the measuring tape asan entity, and to prevent inconvenience of carrying the tape measures,the areas of end hooks are small as possible. However, since the catchesor end hooks are used to grab/hook onto an edge portion of an articlebeing measured, and the rule blade pulled out to the second dimensionbeing measured, small area catches/end hooks make it difficult tograb/hook onto the article being measured with the catches/end hookstending to slide away causing rewinding of the rule blade and irritationto the user. Additionally, because conventionally available catches/endhooks point downwardly relative to the tops of rule blades, measurementsrequiring grabbing/hooking by the catches are limited to situationswhere the rule blade is facing up. This situation makes it inconvenientfor users wishing to grab/hook onto the underside edge of an object tobe measured.

In certain instances the catches or end hooks to tape measures actuallyinhibit proper measurements. In these instances catches which can bothslide and rotate to accommodate restrictions in the item/surface beingmeasured would be desirable. In the instant application catch and endhook are intended to be synonymous terms and will be usedinterchangeably.

While certain novel features of the invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted inthe art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided in oneembodiment is a tape measure with a catch that is both rotatable andslidable relative to the rule blade.

In this application rotation and sliding are to be considered differenttypes of movements. In this application rotation of the catch occurswhen the catch rotates or pivots relative to the rule blade. The termslide is intended to mean relative movement of the catch with respect tothe rule blade which is different from rotation. Of course both types ofmovement of the catch can occur simultaneously and/or sequentially toallow the catch to move from a first position relative to the rule bladeto a second position relative to the rule blade.

In one embodiment the catch is slidable when after the rule blade hasbeen extended past the user's arm span. In one embodiment thisslidability occurs by using the rule blade to place a force on thecatch/end hood in contact with another surface (such as by tapping thecatch on the surface to position the catch relative to the rule blade).

In one embodiment the catch can be moved by force applied on the catchfrom the rule blade itself.

In one embodiment is provided a tape measure apparatus comprising:

a) a casing having two side walls, a bottom wall, a rear wall, and afront wall defining an enclosure, the front wall having a blade apertureadjacent the bottom wall;

b) a rule blade having inner and outer end portions and beingretractably stored in a coiled condition within said enclosure of thecasing, the inner end of the rule blade secured within the enclosure,the outer end of the rule blade protruding through the blade aperturewhen extended during use, and when extended during use the rule bladehaving a longitudinal axis;

c) graduated indicia markings along the length of said rule blade,functioning as a measuring scale;

d) a catch operatively connected to the outer end of the rule blade, thecatch being slidable relative to the outer end of the rule blade in aplane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade.

In one embodiment the catch can be rotatable relative to the outer endof the rule blade in the plane which is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the rule blade, and wherein rotation can exceed 270degrees and can be about points which include the geometric center ofthe face of the catch along with points which are offset from thegeometric center of the face of the catch.

In one embodiment the catch can includes a slot, and the slot isoperatively connected to the rule blade with a fastener.

In one embodiment the catch can include first and second faces, thesecond face facing the rule blade, the first face having a peripheralrecessed area on either side of the slot, the fastener including a head,and the head being accommodated by the recess so that it does notprotrude beyond the first face.

In one embodiment the catch can include a cover which covers theperipheral recessed area and the head.

In one embodiment the catch can have a maximum dimension and the catchis slidable relative to the rule blade at least about 50 percent of themaximum dimension. In other embodiments at least about 25, 30, 35, 45,50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 92, 94, 96, 97, 98, and 99 percentof the maximum dimension. In other embodiments the range of slidabilityis between any two of the above specified percentages.

In one embodiment the rule blade has upper and lower surfaces, and whenthe catch is slid to one extreme of its sliding motion, the catch isflush with the lower surface of the rule blade.

In one embodiment the catch can be circular in shape, the slot islocated on a diameter of the catch and in the middle of the diameter. Inother embodiments the catch can be non-circular in shape such aselliptical, diamond, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, regularpolygonal, or other shape. In various embodiments the shape of the catchcan be symmetrical about a line. In various embodiments the shape of thecatch can be non-symmetrical. In various embodiments the upper and loweredges of the catch can be cut off to provide a straight or levelsurface. For example, in one embodiment an originally circular catch canhave upper and lower edges horizontally cut where the upper and lowercut edges are parallel to each other.

In one embodiment the catch can include a magnetized surface on itsfirst face.

In one embodiment the catch can include a magnetized surface on itssecond face.

In one embodiment the catch can be frictionally held in place relativeto the rule blade.

In one embodiment when the rule blade is extended more than twelveinches, a force can be imposed on the tape measure casing or rule bladecausing the catch to slide relative to the rule blade in the planeperpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment the catch can be frictionally held in place relativeto the rule blade.

In one embodiment when the rule blade is extended more than twelveinches, force can be imposed on the tape measure casing or rule bladecausing the catch to both slide and rotate relative to the rule blade inthe plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment the catch can be frictionally held in place regardingsliding relative to the rule blade, and a force between the catch andthe rule blade is required to begin sliding of the catch relative to therule blade. In various embodiments the force required is less than about10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1,0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and 0.001pounds (44.5, 35.6, 26.6, 22.2, 17.8, 13.3, 8.9, 4.4, 4, 3.6, 3.1, 2.7,2.2, 1.8, 1.3, 0.9, 0.44, 0.40, 0.36, 0.31, 0.27, 0.22, 0.18, 0.13,0.09, 0.044, 0.022, and 0.004 newtons) force. In other embodiments theforce required to begin sliding is between about any two of the abovespecified forces.

In various embodiments the force required is greater than about 10, 8,6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09,0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and 0.001 pounds(44.5, 35.6, 26.6, 22.2, 17.8, 13.3, 8.9, 4.4, 4.0, 3.6, 3.1, 2.7, 2.2,1.8, 1.3, 0.9, 0.44, 0.40, 0.36, 0.31, 0.27, 0.22, 0.18, 0.13, 0.09,0.044, 0.022, and 0.004 newtons) force. In other embodiments the forcerequired to begin sliding is between about any two of the abovespecified forces.

In one embodiment the catch can be frictionally held in place regardingrotation relative to the rule blade, and a torque between the catch andthe rule blade is required to begin rotation of the catch relative tothe rule blade. In various embodiments the force required is less thanabout 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2,0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and0.001 inch-pounds (1751, 1401, 1051, 876, 701, 525, 350, 175, 158, 140,123, 105, 88, 70, 53, 35, 18, 15.8, 14, 12.3, 10.5, 8.8, 7, 5.3, 3.5,1.75, 0.876, and 0.175 meter-pounds) force of torque. In otherembodiments the torque required to begin rotation is between about anytwo of the above specified torques.

In various embodiments the force required is greater than about 10, 8,6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09,0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and 0.001inch-pounds (1751, 1401, 1051, 876, 701, 525, 350, 175, 158, 140, 123,105, 88, 70, 53, 35, 18, 15.8, 14, 12.3, 10.5, 8.8, 7, 5.3, 3.5, 1.75,0.876, and 0.175 meter-pounds) force of torque. In other embodiments thetorque required to begin rotation is between about any two of the abovespecified torques.

In one embodiment the catch can also be slidable in a direction parallelto the longitudinal axis of the rule blade.

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements. However, the drawings areillustrative only, and changes may be made in the specific constructionillustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of L-bracket version (including a backingplate to stabilize the main plate).

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of alternative version using a pin to mountthe plate instead of rivet to an L bracket.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the catch portion of FIG. 2 but viewedfrom the opposite view as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of assembled L bracket version.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of assembled alternative version.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of assembled L bracket version shown inFIG. 3, but viewed from the opposite side as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of assembled alternative version shown inFIG. 4, but viewed from the opposite side as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side view of L bracket version of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a side view of alternative version of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 includes a retracted view of L bracket version of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10A shows an alternative version of a catch which includes straightupper and lower portions.

FIG. 11 includes a rear view schematically indicating attachment of thecover to the catch shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 12 includes a perspective rear view schematically indicatingattachment of the cover to the catch shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the cover.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the cover.

FIGS. 15-17 schematically indicate the allowable motions which can bemade between the catch and the rule blade.

FIGS. 18 and 19 schematically indicate movement of the catch to measurea corner of a wall having free space behind the corner.

FIGS. 20 and 21 schematically indicate movement of the catch to measurea corner of a wall wherein the catch cannot move beyond the corner.

FIGS. 22 and 23 schematically indicate movement of the catch to measurea corner of a workpiece where the corner is partially restricted.

FIGS. 24 through 26 schematically indicate movement of the catch tomeasure a rounded object such as a pipe.

FIG. 27 shows the catch being used as a marking guide.

FIG. 28 shows the catch being used as a cutting guide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment provides a tape measure apparatus 10 which can include aconventional type tape measure 20 comprising a casing 40 having two sidewalls 60, a top wall 80, a bottom wall 100, a rear wall 120 and a frontwall 140 defining enclosure 160. Front wall 140 has a rule bladeaperture 180 adjacent to bottom wall 100.

Rule blade 200 is normally retractably stored in a coiled conditionwithin enclosure 160 of casing 40. An inner end 205 of rule blade 200 issecured within enclosure 160, while an outer end 210 of rule blade 200protrudes through blade aperture 180 in casing 40. A lock and automaticrewind switch 240 can be carried on top wall 80 or front wall 140 ofcasing 40, to keep a portion of rule blade 200 in an extended lockedposition through blade aperture 180 in casing 40. Switch 240 is manuallyoperated to retract rule blade 200 into enclosure 160 of casing 40.

Rule blade 200 is elongated, slightly concave and fabricated out of asubstantially strong and durable material and can have a longitudinalaxis 202. Graduated indicia markings 220 along the length of the ruleblade 200 function as a measuring scale, which can be positioned at anyof a variety of English standard intervals, including 1″, ½, ¼″, and thelike, as well as Metric standard intervals including 5 mm, 1 cm, 5 cm,and the like. Graduated indicia markings 220 can be of similar ordifferent dimensions and shapes for aiding in identifying the respectivemeasurement. In one embodiment the rule blade 200 has upper surface 201(with upper edges 206) and lower 203 surface.

Catch or end hook 600 can be slidably and rotatably connected to outerend 210 of rule blade 200. Catch or end hook 600 can adapted to benormally laid over an edge 300 of a workpiece 320 to be measured, suchas an item of wood, sheetrock, or other material. In one embodiment thecatch 600 can also be slidable in a direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis 204 of the rule blade 200. In one embodiment when thecatch 600 is slid to one extreme of its sliding motion, the catch 600 isflush with the lower surface 220 of the rule blade 200.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of L-bracket version of support 820 forrotating and sliding catch 600, including a backing plate 830 forsupport 820 to stabilize catch 600 and limit its wobble. FIG. 4 is aperspective view of assembled L bracket version of support 820. FIG. 6is a perspective view of assembled L bracket support 820 version shownin FIG. 3, but viewed from the opposite side as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8is a side view of L bracket support 820 version of FIG. 4. FIG. 10includes a retracted view of rule blade 200 for L bracket support 820version.

With backing plate 830 raised with respect to first or top face 201 ofrule blade 200, this embodiment has the advantage of allowing catch toslide vertically upward (schematically indicated by arrow in FIG. 4) sothat becomes flush with second or bottom face 202 of rule blade 200.

Catch 600 can comprise first face 610 and second face 620, and can bedisk shaped. Catch 600 can include slot 700 having first 710 and second720 ends, which slot 700 can include recessed peripheral area 730 onfirst face 610.

Catch 600 can be slidably and rotatably connected to rule blade 200using fastener 800, which includes head and rod 804. In one embodimentfastener 800 can be a rivet or threaded fastener. Fastener 800 canconnect catch 600 to rule blade 200 by connecting to connector support820. Connector support 820 can include base 830 with opening 834.Connector 820 itself can be attached to rule blade 200 using a pluralityof rivets 860. In one embodiment connector 820 can shift along thelongitudinal axis 202 of rule blade 200 to accommodate the overallthickness of catch 600 depending on whether first face 610 or secondface 620 contacts the workpiece being measured. In one embodiment spaceror washer 810 can be used between fastener 800 and catch 600 wherespacer or washer 810 is a little less than the overall width ofperipheral recessed area 730.

As schematically shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment the catch 600 canhave a maximum dimension H1 and the catch 600 is slidable relative tothe rule blade 200 at least about 50 percent of the maximum dimension.Here the amount of slidability would be controlled by the distancebetween first and second edges 710,720 of slot 700 relative to theamount of vertical space connector 800 takes up in slot 700. Thismaximum slidability is schematically indicated as H2. In FIG. 6, Pindicates the amount of sliding from its uppermost position at position710 of slot 700. FIG. 7 shows a P which is larger than the P shown inFIG. 6 indicating that the catch 600 has been slid upwardly or in thedirection of arrow 1280 (although catch 600 can continue to be slidupwardly in the direction of arrow 1280 until connector 800 contacts end720 of slot 700). In other embodiments the catch 600 can be slidablerelative to the rule blade 200 at least about 25, 30, 35, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 92, 94, 96, 97, 98, and 99 percent of themaximum dimension. In other embodiments the range of slidability betweenthe catch 600 and the rule blade 200 is between any two of the abovespecified percentages.

In one embodiment the catch 600 can be circular in shape, the slot 700is located on a diameter of the catch 600 and in the middle of thediameter.

In one embodiment the catch 600 can include a magnetized surface on itsfirst face 610. In one embodiment the catch 600 can include a magnetizedsurface on its second face 620. In one embodiment catch 600 can includesa plurality of seats 750 for a plurality of magnets 950. In oneembodiment seats 750 in catch 600 can be slightly smaller than magnets950 which fit into seats 750. Magnets 950 can assist catch 600 inmaintaining contact with a metal workpiece to be measures. In oneembodiment magnets 950 can assist in maintaining the position of catch600 relative to casing 40 of tape measure 20.

In one embodiment, catch 600 can include a cover 900 which concealsfirst side 610 of catch 600. Cover 900 can include first side 910,second side 920, upper connector portion 930, and lower connectorportion 934. Cover 940 can also include a plurality of openings 940,which openings are preferably smaller than the sizes of plurality ofmagnets 950. FIG. 11 includes a rear view schematically indicatingattachment of the cover 900 to the catch 600. FIG. 12 includes aperspective rear view schematically indicating attachment of the cover900 to the catch 600. FIG. 13 is a side view of the cover 900. FIG. 14is a top perspective view of the cover 900.

In one embodiment catch 600 can include a frictional gripping surface,such as being rubber coated, on its first 610 and/or second 620 facesand/or its perimeter edge. The frictional gripping surface can resistslippage of catch 600 with respect to an item being measured. In oneembodiment the gripping surface for the first face 610 of catch can beincluded on the front and perimeter of cover 900. Preferably, thegripping surface will be used without magnets as it is believed that theextra thickness of the gripping surface will substantially reduce theamount of magnetized pull from magnets 950 reducing their effectiveness.In one embodiment a rubber coating of a predefined thickness can itselffor the recess 730 for positioning slot 700 and connector 800 (whichrecess 730 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of alternative version of connector 820′using a pin 800′ to mount the catch 600 instead of rivet 800. In thisembodiment inclined portion 805 can be provided to resist snagging itemsto be measured when first or top face 201 of rule blade 200 is adjacenta surface to be measured. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the catch 600but viewed from the opposite view as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is aperspective view of assembled alternative version of support 820. FIG. 7is a perspective view of assembled alternative support 820′ versionshown in FIG. 4, but viewed from the opposite side as shown in FIG. 5.FIG. 9 is a side view of alternative support 820′ version of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 15-17 schematically indicate the allowable sliding and/or rotatingmotions which can be made between the catch 600 and rule blade 200. FIG.15 schematically indicates rotation in the direction of arrow 1200. FIG.16 schematically indicates sliding in the direction of arrows 1210(indicating that either direction of vertical sliding is available).FIG. 16 schematically indicates sliding in the direction of arrows 1220(indicating that either direction of horizontal sliding is available).In various embodiments one or more of the movements schematicallyindicated in either FIGS. 15, 16, and/or 17 can be combined at differenttimes. For example, rotation can be made with sliding following. Asanother example, sliding can be made with rotation following. As anotherexample, rotation can be combined with sliding. In different embodimentssliding can be in different directions compared to strictly vertical orstrictly horizontal. In different embodiments the amount of sliding isrestricted by the length of the slot compared to the size of thefastener.

In various embodiments the catch 600 is frictionally held in placeregarding sliding and/or rotation relative to rule blade 200, however,application of a force to rule blade 200 can overcome such frictionalresistance causing relative movement between the catch 600 (slidingand/or rotation) relative to the rule blade 200. In one embodiment thecatch 600 is slidable when after the rule blade 200 has been extendedpast the user's arm span. In one embodiment this slidability occurs byusing the rule blade 200 to place a force on the catch/end hook 600 incontact with another surface (such as by tapping the catch 600 on thesurface to position the catch relative to the rule blade 200). In oneembodiment the catch 600 can be moved relative to the rule blade 200 byforce applied on the catch 600 from the rule blade 200 itself.

In one embodiment the catch 600 can be frictionally held in placeregarding sliding relative to the rule blade 200, and a predeterminedforce between the catch 600 and the rule blade 200 to overcome thisfrictional resistance required to begin sliding of the catch 600relative to the rule blade 200. In various embodiments the predeterminedforce required to overcome frictional resistance and begin sliding isless than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4,0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01,0.005, and/or 0.001 pounds (44.5, 35.6, 26.6, 22.2, 17.8, 13.3, 8.9,4.4, 4, 3.6, 3.1, 2.7, 2.2, 1.8, 1.3, 0.9, 0.44, 0.40, 0.36, 0.31, 0.27,0.22, 0.18, 0.13, 0.09, 0.044, 0.022 and/or 0.004 newtons) force. Inother embodiments this predetermined force required to overcomefrictional resistance and begin relative sliding between catch 600 andrule blade 200 is between about any two of the above specifiedpredetermined forces.

In one embodiment the catch 600 can be frictionally held in placeregarding sliding relative to the rule blade 200, and a predeterminedforce between the catch 600 and the rule blade 200 to overcome thisfrictional resistance required to begin sliding of the catch 600relative to the rule blade 200. In various embodiments the predeterminedforce required to overcome frictional resistance and begin sliding isgreater than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5,0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02,0.01, 0.005, and/or 0.001 pounds (44.5, 35.6, 26.6, 22.2, 17.8, 13.3,8.9, 4.4, 4, 3.6, 3.1, 2.7, 2.2, 1.8, 1.3, 0.9, 0.44, 0.40, 0.36, 0.31,0.27, 0.22, 0.18, 0.13, 0.09, 0.044, 0.022, and/or 0.004 newtons) force.In other embodiments this predetermined force required to overcomefrictional resistance and begin relative sliding between catch 600 andrule blade 200 is between about any two of the above specifiedpredetermined forces.

In one embodiment the catch can be frictionally held in place regardingrotation relative to the rule blade, and a predetermined torque betweenthe catch 600 and the rule blade 200 is required to begin rotation ofthe catch 600 relative to the rule blade 200. In various embodiments thepredetermined torque required to overcome frictional resistance andbegin rotation between the catch 600 and the rule blade is less thanabout 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2,0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and/or0.001 inch-pounds (1751, 1401, 1051, 876, 701, 525, 350, 175, 158, 140,123, 105, 88, 70, 53, 35, 18, 15.8, 14, 12.3, 10.5, 8.8, 7, 5.3, 3.5,1.75, 0.876, and 0.175 meter-pounds) force of torque. In otherembodiments the predetermined torque required to overcome frictionalresistance and begin relative rotation between the catch 600 and therule blade 200 is between about any two of the above specifiedpredetermined torques.

In various embodiments the predetermined torque required to overcomefrictional resistance and begin rotation between the catch 600 and therule blade is greater than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7,0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03,0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and/or 0.001 inch-pounds (1751, 1401, 1051, 876, 701,525, 350, 175, 158, 140, 123, 105, 88, 70, 53, 35, 18, 15.8, 14, 12.3,10.5, 8.8, 7, 5.3, 3.5, 1.75, 0.876, and 0.175 meter-pounds) force oftorque. In other embodiments the predetermined torque required toovercome frictional resistance and begin relative rotation between thecatch 600 and the rule blade 200 is between about any two of the abovespecified predetermined torques.

In one embodiment is provided a tape measure apparatus 10 comprising:

a) a casing 40 having two side walls 60,80, a bottom wall 100, a rearwall 120, and a front wall 140 defining an enclosure, the front wallhaving a blade aperture 180 adjacent the bottom wall 100;

b) a rule blade 100 having inner and outer end portions and beingretractably stored in a coiled condition within said enclosure of thecasing 40, the inner end of the rule blade 200 secured within theenclosure, the outer end of the rule blade 200 protruding through theblade aperture 180 when extended during use, and when extended duringuse the rule blade 200 having a longitudinal axis 204;

c) graduated indicia markings 220 along the length of said rule blade200, functioning as a measuring scale;

d) a catch 60 operatively connected to the outer end of the rule blade200, the catch 600 being slidable relative to the outer end of the ruleblade 600 in a plane 208 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis204 of the rule blade 200.

In one embodiment the catch 600 can be rotatable relative to the outerend of the rule blade 200 in the plane 208 which is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 204 of the rule blade 200, and wherein rotation canexceed 180 degrees and can be about points which include the geometriccenter of the face of the catch along with points which are offset fromthe geometric center of the face of the catch 600. In variousembodiments the rotation between the catch 600 and the rule blade 200can exceed about 180, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, 300, 320, 340, and/or 360degrees. In other embodiments the amount of rotation can be betweenabout any two of the above specified angular rotations.

In various of the above referenced embodiments catch/end hook 600 canrotate and/or slide relative to rule blade 200 without the user touchingcatch/end hook 600. For example, the user can apply force on rule blade200 which caused force to be applied on catch 600 which force causesrelative movement between catch 600 (rotation and/or sliding) and ruleblade 200.

FIGS. 18 and 19 schematically indicate movement of the catch to measurea corner of a wall having free space behind the corner. When measuring avertical surface, catch/end hook 600 can both rotate and slidedownwardly (schematically indicated by arrows 1250 and 1260) relative torule blade 200 allowing rear portion 620 to contact edge 284, along withallowing upper edges 206 of rule blade 200 to contact the surface beingmeasured 280 (which is believed to reduce sliding of rule blade 200relative to surface 280 compared to having bottom 203 in contact withsurface 280).

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a second application edge of base 1350 iscompletely blocked by wall 1300, where the catch 600 cannot move beyondthe corner between wall 1300 and base 1350. Catch/end hook 600 can slideupwards allowing rule blade 200 to slide relatively downwards(schematically indicated by arrow 1260) relative to rule blade 200allowing bottom 203 to contact base 1350 thereby allowing a moreaccurate measurement to be taken by limiting the amount of bowing ofrule blade 200 between catch 600 and tape measure (with the user pushingrule blade 200 down towards base 1350). In this manner rule blade 200maintains a parallel shape for the measuring portion of rule blade 200.The movement in the direction of arrow 1260 reduces the distance “D”between bottom 203 of rule blade 200 and the top 282 of the workpiece tobe measured. In this manner rule blade 200 maintains a parallel shapefor the measuring portion of rule blade 200. Additionally, support 820′for catch 600 can shift in a line parallel to longitudinal axis 204 ofrule blade 200 (schematically indicated by arrow 1210) an amount equalto the thickness of catch 600 (distance between first 610 and second 620faces) to ensure that an accurate measurement is read (accommodating thethickness of catch 600 where front 610 face of catch 600 is blocked).Typically measurements are taken with second face 620 grabbing/hookingonto the edge of the workpiece.

FIG. 10A shows an alternative version of a catch 600′ which includesstraight upper 602 and lower 606 portions. In one embodiment the catch600 can be circular in shape, the slot 700 is located on a diameter ofthe catch 600 and in the middle of the diameter. In other embodimentsthe catch 600′ can be non-circular in shape such as elliptical, diamond,triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, regular polygonal, or othershape. In various embodiments the shape of the catch 600 can besymmetrical about a line. In various embodiments the shape 600 of thecatch can be non-symmetrical. In various embodiments the upper 602 andlower 606 edges of the catch can be cut off to provide a straight orlevel surface. For example, in one embodiment an originally circularcatch can have upper and lower edges horizontally cut where the upperand lower cut edges are parallel to each other.

FIGS. 22 and 23 schematically illustrate a third application where catch600 is provided minimal depth to grab hold of the workpiece beingmeasured. Catch/end hook 600 is shown in a position generally consideredwhen using prior art catches/end hooks, but with the ability to slide upand down vertically relative to rule blade 200. Here the catch or endhook 600 is projecting downward and placed with its second or rear face620 grabbing/hooking onto edge 284 of workpiece 280, but with a top 285of second workpiece blocking downward movement of catch 600. In thisinstance catch 600 can slide upwards allowing rule blade 200 to sliderelatively downwards (schematically indicated by arrow 1260) allowingbottom 203 of rule blade 200 to contact top 282 of workpiece 280; andfacilitating a more accurate measurement to be taken by limiting theamount of bowing of rule blade 200 between catch 600 and front wall 140of tape measure (with the user pushing rule blade 200 down towards top282 of workpiece 280). The movement in the direction of arrow 1260reduces the distance “D” between bottom 203 of rule blade 200 and thetop 282 of the workpiece to be measured. In this manner rule blade 200maintains a parallel shape for the measuring portion of rule blade 200.

FIGS. 24, 25, and 26 schematically illustrate a fourth application,indicating movement of the catch to measure a rounded object (e.g., apipe). In this application catch/end hook 600 can both rotate (and slidedownwardly (schematically indicated by arrows 1270 and 1280) relative torule blade 200 allowing rule blade to move from the position shown inFIG. 22 to the position shown in FIG. 23. Catch/end hook 600 can furtherrotate and slide downwardly allowing upper edge portions 206 of ruleblade 200 to contact surface of pipe 1400.

FIG. 27 shows the catch 600 being used as a marking guide. In thisembodiment catch 6002 is slid upwardly relative to rule blade 200 suchthat bottom of catch 600 is raised to its uppermost extent. Catch 600can be used as a base to grab and hold steady sip of marking instrument(e.g., pencil). In a preferred embodiment bottom of catch 600 is flushwith second or bottom side 203 of rule blade so that a measured distancecan be marked with tip of pencil 500. In this embodiment catch steadiespencil 500 and tip of pencil can be flush with bottom 203 of rule blade200 with bottom 203 of rule blade 200 touch the surface to be marked.

FIG. 28 shows the catch 600 being used as a cutting guide for a knife550. Catch 600 can be used as a base to grab and hold steady tip ofknife 550. In a preferred embodiment bottom of catch 600 is flush withsecond or bottom side 203 of rule blade so that a measured distance canbe marked with tip of knife 550. In this embodiment catch steadies knife550 and tip of pencil can be flush with bottom 203 of rule blade 200with bottom 203 of rule blade 200 touch the surface to be cut.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together may also find a useful application in other types ofmethods differing from the type described above.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,readily adapt it for various applications without omitting featuresthat, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention setforth in the appended claims:

The following is a Table of reference numerals used in this application:

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

Reference No. Description 10 tape measure apparatus 20 tape measure 40casing 45 casing screws 60 side wall of casing 80 top wall of casing 100bottom wall of casing 120 rear wall of casing 140 front wall of casing142 quick lock/quick unlock for catch (e.g., magnet) 160 enclosure incasing 165 front wall of enclosure 170 rear wall of enclosure 180aperture in casing for rule blade 182 base of aperture in casing 200rule blade of tape measure 201 first or top surface 203 second or bottomsurface 204 longitudinal axis 205 inner end of rule blade 206 top edgesof rule blade 208 perpendicular or orthogonal plane 210 outer end ofrule blade 220 graduated indicia markings on rule blade 240 lock andautomatic rewind switch of tape measure 242 rule blade locking bar 243locking tabs 260 end hook of rule blade 262 rivets for end hook 280 workpiece 282 top of work piece 284 edge of workpiece 286 top of secondworkpiece 320 top of workpiece 360 first hand 380 finger of first hand400 index finger of first hand 420 thumb of first hand 460 second hand480 fingers of second hand 500 pencil 550 knife 600 catch 610 first face620 second face 700 positioning slot 710 first end of positioning slot720 second end of positioning slot 730 recess area of positioning slot750 plurality of openings 760 plurality of notches 800 connector forcatch to rule blade 804 rod portion 805 inclined portion 810 washer 820support 824 reinforcing plate or brace 830 base 834 opening 850 openings860 plurality of fasteners 900 cover for catch 910 first side 920 secondside 930 upper connector portion 934 lower connector portion 940plurality of openings 950 plurality of magnets 1000 plurality of magnets1200 arrow 1210 arrow 1220 arrow 1230 arrow 1250 arrow 1260 arrow 1270arrow 1280 arrow 1290 arrow 1300 wall 1310 wall 1350 base 1300 wall 1310wall 1350 base 1400 pipe

All materials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. The insert 560 and otheritems may be constructed of metal, plastic, injection molded plastic,wood, or any other material which is substantially strong and durable.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; thescope of the present invention is to be limited only by the followingclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A tape measure apparatus comprising: a) acasing having two side walls, a bottom wall, a rear wall, and a frontwall defining an enclosure, the front wall having a blade apertureadjacent the bottom wall; b) a rule blade having inner and outer endportions and being retractably stored in a coiled condition within saidenclosure of the casing, the inner end of the rule blade secured withinthe enclosure, the outer end of the rule blade protruding through theblade aperture when extended during use, and when extended during usethe rule blade having a longitudinal axis; c) graduated indicia markingsalong the length of said rule blade, functioning as a measuring scale;d) a catch operatively connected to the outer end of the rule blade, thecatch being slidable relative to the outer end of the rule blade in aplane which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofthe rule blade.
 2. The tape measure apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecatch is rotatable relative to the outer end of the rule blade in theplane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade,and wherein rotation can exceed 270 degrees and can be about pointswhich include the geometric center of the face of the catch along withpoints which are offset from the geometric center of the face of thecatch.
 3. The tape measure apparatus of claim 1, wherein the catchincludes a slot, and the slot is operatively connected to the rule bladewith a fastener.
 4. The tape measure apparatus of claim 3, wherein thecatch includes first and second faces, the second face facing the ruleblade, the first face having a peripheral recessed area on either sideof the slot, the fastener including a head, and the head beingaccommodated by the recess so that it does not protrude beyond the firstface.
 5. The tape measure apparatus of claim 4, wherein the catchfurther comprises a cover which covers the peripheral recessed area andthe head.
 6. The tape measure apparatus of claim 1, wherein the catchhas a maximum dimension and the catch is slidable relative to the ruleblade at least about 50 percent of the maximum dimension.
 7. The tapemeasure apparatus of claim 1, wherein the catch has a maximum dimensionand the catch is slidable relative to the rule blade at least about 75percent of the maximum dimension.
 8. The tape measure apparatus of claim1, wherein the catch has a maximum dimension and the catch is slidablerelative to the rule blade at least about 85 percent of the maximumdimension.
 9. The tape measure apparatus of claim 1, wherein the catchhas a maximum dimension and the catch is slidable relative to the ruleblade at least about 90 percent of the maximum dimension.
 10. The tapemeasure apparatus of claim 1, wherein the catch has a maximum dimensionand the catch is slidable relative to the rule blade at least about 95percent of the maximum dimension.
 11. The tape measure apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the rule blade has upper and lower surfaces, and whenthe catch is slid to one extreme of its sliding motion, the catch isflush with the lower surface of the rule blade.
 12. The tape measureapparatus of claim 1, wherein the catch is circular in shape, the slotis located on a diameter of the catch and in the middle of the diameter.13. The tape measure apparatus of claim 1, wherein the catch includes amagnetized surface on its first face.
 14. The tape measure apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the catch includes a magnetized surface on its secondface.
 15. The tape measure apparatus of claim 1, wherein the catch isfrictionally held in place relative to the rule blade.
 16. The tapemeasure apparatus of claim 15, wherein when the rule blade is extendedmore than twelve inches, force can be imposed on the tape measure casingor rule blade causing the catch to slide relative to the rule blade inthe plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 17. The tape measureapparatus of claim 2, wherein the catch is frictionally held in placerelative to the rule blade.
 18. The tape measure apparatus of claim 17,wherein when the rule blade is extended more than twelve inches, forcecan be imposed on the tape measure casing or rule blade causing thecatch to both slide and rotate relative to the rule blade in the planeperpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 19. The tape measure apparatusof claim 1, wherein the catch is also slidable in a direction parallelto the longitudinal axis of the rule blade.
 20. A tape measure apparatuscomprising: a) a casing having two side walls, a bottom wall, a rearwall, and a front wall defining an enclosure, the front wall having ablade aperture adjacent the bottom wall; b) a rule blade having innerand outer end portions and being retractably stored in a coiledcondition within said enclosure of the casing, the inner end of the ruleblade secured within the enclosure, the outer end of the rule bladeprotruding through the blade aperture when extended during use, and whenextended during use the rule blade having a longitudinal axis; c)graduated indicia markings along the length of said rule blade,functioning as a measuring scale; d) a catch operatively connected tothe outer end of the rule blade, the catch being both slidable androtatable relative to the outer end of the rule blade in a plane whichis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ruleblade.